Transportation systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A transportation system for transporting a load into and out of a serviced area. The transportation system comprises near and far support lines and a cross support line suspended from the near and far support lines. A trolley assembly traverses the cross support line, and the trolley assembly is adapted to carry the load from the area to harvested. A transfer track may be used to allow the trolley to traverse the near and/or far support lines.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/471,702, which was filed on Dec. 23, 1999.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to transportation systems andmethods, and in particular to transportation systems and methods thatallow people and material to be efficiently and cost-effectively removedfrom an area without roads or where roads are overused.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present application has application to any activity thatrequires the transportation of material and people to and from locationsthat are not served by roads or where the roads are inadequate oroverused. Activities where the present invention may be used includelogging, mining, ski lifts, and/or public transportation. The presentinvention is of particular relevance in the context of loggingactivities, and that application of the present invention will bedescribed herein in detail with the understanding that the scope of thepresent invention shall be defined by the claims appended hereto and notthe following detailed discussion.

[0004] Logging activities often take place in remote, environmentallysensitive areas. For a variety of reasons, it may not be practical toconstruct an extensive network of roads in logging areas. When timber isharvested in areas not serviced by roads, the use of off-road groundvehicles to remove harvested timber is undesirable in many cases and inother cases may not be possible due to rough terrain.

[0005] Timber is often removed from remote logging areas usinghelicopters. Helicopters can effectively remove timber from loggingareas even if the terrain is not navigable by ground vehicles, but theuse of helicopters is expensive and thus not practical in manysituations.

[0006] The need thus exists for relatively inexpensive transportationsystems and methods and in particular for such systems and methods thatallow the removal of loads from remote, inaccessible areas.

RELATED ART

[0007] The following patents were uncovered as the result of aprofessional patentability search conducted on behalf of the Applicant.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,333,713 to Cruciani illustrates a lifting meansthat is suspended on cross cables that are in turned suspended from twoparallel cables. The cross cables support a load that is movable betweenthe two parallel cables.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 2,055,673 to Smilie depicts a load carrying trolleythat supported by cross cables between two parallel cables.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 1,708,912 to Alexander discloses a system adaptedto drag material from a pile in which the material is disclosed.Parallel cables are arranged on either side of the pile. A scraper isconnected to a cross support line that is pulled to move the scraperacross the pile.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention may be implemented in a transportationsystem comprising a near support line, a far support line, a crosssupport line, a far block for movably connecting the cross support lineto the far support line, a near block for movably connecting the crosssupport line to the near support line, and a trolley assembly fortraversing the cross support line. The load to be removed is carried bythe trolley along the cross support line to a location that allowstransportation along existing roads.

[0012] The system may optionally comprise a transfer track that allowsthe trolley to move between the cross support line and the near supportline. The trolley may thus transport the load not only along the crosssupport line between the near and far support lines but to one end ofthe near support line.

[0013] The coupling block may be a double block through which the crosssupport line extends. The end of the cross support line opposite the farblock can be pulled by a truck, reel, or other mechanism to move thecoupling block and to reduce slack in the cross support line should thenear and far support lines not be parallel. A system using a crosssupport line that extends through the coupling block may optionallycomprise a snubber line connected to the near block to fix a location ofthe near block along the near support line.

[0014] The trolley may optionally comprises a structural assembly andfirst and second rollers that engage one of the support lines to suspendthe structural assembly from the support line. Optionally, mounted onthe structural assembly is an electric motor that powers one of therollers to cause the trolley to move along the support line from whichit is suspended. A hoist assembly may optionally be mounted on thestructural assembly to allow the load to be raised and lowered relativeto the trolley.

[0015] The load may optionally be containerized at the point of harvest.The container will be transported by the trolley and loaded on a truckto minimize handling of the load.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIGS. 1 and 2 are top plan views depicting a transportation systemconstructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of a firstembodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIGS. 3 and 4 are top plan views depicting a transportation systemconstructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of asecond embodiment of the present invention;

[0018]FIGS. 4 and 5 are top plan views depicting third and fourthembodiments of transportation systems similar to the first and secondembodiments but adapted to use an optional transfer track constructed inaccordance with the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an exemplary transfer track that maybe used as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5;

[0020]FIG. 8 is a side elevation exploded view depicting how theexemplary transfer track of FIG. 6 is adapted to be mounted on the nearand cross support lines;

[0021]FIG. 9 is a top plan view depicting the exemplary transfer trackof FIG. 6 mounted on near and cross support lines;

[0022]FIG. 10 is a side elevation view depicting an exemplary trolleythat may be used with the transportation systems depicted in FIGS. 1-5;

[0023]FIG. 11 is an end elevation view depicting the exemplary trolleyof FIG. 9 traversing the transfer track of FIGS. 6-8;

[0024]FIG. 12 is a somewhat schematic top plan view of a fifthembodiment of a transportation system of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 13 is perspective view of a juncture post employed by thetransportation system of FIG. 12 in a bypass configuration;

[0026]FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 13 but depicts the juncture post in atransfer configuration;

[0027]FIG. 15 is a somewhat schematic section view of the exemplaryjuncture post taken along lines 15-15 in FIG. 13;

[0028]FIG. 16 is a front elevation view depicting an exemplary trolleyassembly that may be used with the transportation systems of the presentinvention, where the trolley assembly is shown with its wheel assembliesin a traversing configuration in FIG. 16;

[0029]FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 16, but the wheel assemblies of thetrolley assembly are in a turn configuration;

[0030]FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the trolley assembly of FIG. 16 withits wheel assemblies in an aligned configuration;

[0031]FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the juncture post of FIG. 13depicting bracing cables connected between the juncture post and thetransfer tracks;

[0032]FIG. 20 is a top plan view depicting details of an exemplarytransfer track of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 21 is a side elevation cut-away view taken along lines 21-21in FIG. 20;

[0034]FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of the transfer track of FIG.20;

[0035]FIG. 23 is a top plan view of a block assembly that may be used aspart of the transportation system of FIG. 12;

[0036]FIG. 24 is a somewhat schematic top plan view of a sixthembodiment of a transportation system of the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 25 is a top plan view of a double winch block assembly thatmay be used in the system of FIG. 24;

[0038]FIG. 26 is a partial, side elevation view of an exemplary transfertrack of the present invention; and

[0039]FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the transfer track of FIG. 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] The basic concept of the present invention may be embodied in anyone of a number of configurations. Several exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention will be described below, with the understanding thatthese embodiments illustrate the scope of the present invention but arenot intended to be an exhaustive description of all scenarios in whichthe present invention may be used.

[0041] I. First Embodiment

[0042] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, depicted therein is anexemplary transportation system 20 containing components andimplementing methods that, in varying combinations and sub-combinations,may be constructed in accordance with, and embody, the principles of afirst embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] The exemplary transportation system 20 comprises a near supportline 22, a far support line 24, a cross support line 26, a near block28, a far block 30, and a trolley 32. The transportation system 20 isinstalled to allow removal of raw timber from an exemplary area 34 to belogged. The logging area 32 is defined by near and far side edges 36 and38 and near and far end edges 40 and 42.

[0044] In the exemplary logging area 34, a road 44 extends along thenear opposing edge 36 between the near and far end edges 40 and 42.Accordingly, at least a portion of the logging area 34 is directlyaccessible by a vehicle such as a truck. The road 44 is for illustrativepurposes only, and methods of transporting raw lumber for additionalprocessing other than road and truck may be employed. For example, theroad 44 may also be a river down which raw or a railroad over which rawtimber may be transported. The road may also be a landing strip orhelicopter landing area that allows raw timber to be removed by air.

[0045] The near and far support lines 22 and 24 are supported above theground along the near and far opposing side edges 36 and 38 of thelogging area 34. The near and far blocks 28 and 30 are supported by thenear and far support lines 22 and 24, respectively. The cross supportline 26 is rigidly connected at a near end 48 to the near block 28 andat a far end 50 to the far block 30. The blocks 28 and 30 move relativeto the near and far support lines 22 and 24 along the near and far sideedges 36 and 38 of the logging area 34.

[0046] The trolley 32 is suspended from the cross support line 26. Thetrolley 32 traverses the cross support line 26 between the near and farsupport lines 22 and 24, and thus between the near and far side edges 36and 38 of the logging area 34.

[0047] Raw timber is removed from the exemplary logging area 40 in thefollowing manner. Initially, the near and far blocks 28 and 30 and crosssupport line 26 are arranged adjacent to the far end edge 42 of thelogging area 34. The near and far blocks 28 and 30 are then fixedrelative to the near and far support lines 36 and 38 so that the crosssupport line 26 is fixed relative to the support lines 36 and 38. Thetrolley 32 is then used to transport materials between the road 44 and aportion of the logging area 34. In particular, in this position thesystem 20 allows access to a swath 52 a of the logging area 34 thatextends on either side of the cross support line 26. The dimensions ofthe swath 52 a are determined by the distance from the cross supportline 26 that can be reasonably traversed by foot when hauling raw timberto the trolley 32.

[0048] The near and far blocks 28 and 30 are then moved to and locked ina new position such that the cross support line 26 is spaced from thefar end edge 42. A new swath 52 b of the logging area 34, which abuts orslightly overlaps the original swath 52 a, may now be accessed by thesystem 20. This process is repeated until a final swath 52 n of thelogging area 40 is accessed by the system 20.

[0049] Material may thus be transported into and out of the entirelogging area 40 without building additional roads or using off-roadvehicles or helicopters.

[0050] With the foregoing general understanding of the first embodimentof the present invention in mind, certain implementation details of thisfirst embodiment will now be described. The following detailedexplanation of this first embodiment is intended to allow one ofordinary skill in the art to make and use the present invention andshould not be used to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto.

[0051]FIG. 1 illustrates that the transportation system 20 comprisesfirst and second spar trees 54 that support each end of the near and farsupport lines 22 and 24. The spar trees 54 may be existing tree stumpsthat are capable of elevating the ends of the support lines 22 and 24and withstanding the loads necessary to maintain these lines 22 and 24suspended above the ground. Other structures such as metal columns maybe used as the spar trees if appropriate. Guy wires may be used in aconventional manner to stabilize the spar trees 54. FIG. 1 also depictsa snubbing line 56 that is preferably used to fix a position of the nearblock 28 along the near support line 22.

[0052] The dimensions of the exemplary logging area 34 are substantiallydefined by the lengths of the near and far support lines 22 and 24 andthe cross support line 26. The lengths of these support lines 22-26 willbe defined by the load carrying capacities of the support lines and themeans, such as spar trees, for supporting these lines. The length ofthese lines may be extended by supporting the lines at intermediatepoints between their ends using C-clamp assemblies to support the cablesat the intermediate points. The support lines 22-26 and logging area 34are thus exemplary and other arrangements for maintaining the supportlines 22-26 above the ground may be used.

[0053] The system 20 of FIG. 1 may be enhanced by the use of radiocontrol to operate the trolley assembly 32. The operator can stand atone location as the trolley assembly 32 moves along its path and neednot walk along with the trolley assembly.

[0054] To anchor the near block 28 at a desired location, a power sawwinch 70 may be fixed to a member such as a stump 72. The power sawwinch 70 is connected to an anchor line 74 and operated to take up slackin the line 74, thereby preventing movement of the block 28 along thenear side support line 22.

[0055] II. Second Embodiment

[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, depicted therein is an exemplarytransportation system 120 containing components and implementing methodsthat, in varying combinations and sub-combinations, may be constructedin accordance with, and embody, the principles of a second embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0057] Like the system 20 described above, the exemplary transportationsystem 120 comprises a near support line 122, a far support line 124, across support line 126, a near block 128, a far block 130, and a trolley132. The system 120 further comprises a truck 134. The exemplarytransportation system 120 allows removal of raw timber from an exemplaryarea 136 to be logged.

[0058] Like the logging area 36 described above, the logging area 136 isdefined by near and far side edges 138 and 140 and near and far endedges 142 and 144 and a road 146 extends along the near side edge 138between the near and far end edges 142 and 144. Again, the road 146 mayrepresent other types of transportation such as by river, railroad, air,and the like. And as with the system 20 described above, the near andfar support lines 122 and 124 are supported along the near and faropposing edges 138 and 140, and the near and far blocks 128 and 130 aresupported by the near and far support lines 122 and 124, respectively.The cross support line 126 is rigidly connected at a far end 148 to thefar block 130.

[0059] However, the near block 128 differs from the near block 28 of thesystem 20 in that the near block 128 is a double block, and the crosssupport line 126 also passes through the near block 128. A near end 150of the cross support line 126 is connected to the truck 132. The nearblock 128 thus supports an intermediate portion 152 of the cross supportline 126 that is spaced along the line 126 between the far and near ends148 and 150.

[0060] As with the system 120 described above, the blocks 128 and 130move relative to the near and far support lines 122 and 124 along thenear and far side edges 136 and 138 of the logging area 136. Unlike thesystem 20, however, the cross support line 126 and near block 128 moverelative to each other such that the truck 132 can pull on the near end150 of the cross support line 26 to adjust the tension thereon.

[0061] The ability to adjust the tension of the cross support line 126allows the system 120 to tolerate having the near and far support lines122 and 124 extend at an angle to each other. As the near and farsupport lines 122 and 124 converge and thus reduce the distance betweenthe near and far blocks 128 and 130, the truck 132 is operated to takeup any slack in the cross support line 126. If the distance between thesupport lines 122 and 124 increases as the blocks 128 and 130 are moved,the truck 132 can be operated to release the tension on the crosssupport line 126.

[0062] The trolley 134 is suspended from the cross support line 126 andtraverses the cross support line 126 and thus moves between the near andfar side edges 136 and 138 of the logging area 134.

[0063] Using the system 120, raw timber is removed from the exemplarylogging area 134 in the same basic manner as discussed above withreference to the system 20. Multiple swaths 154 are serviced by thecross support line 126 to allow access to the entire area 134 to belogged. The primary difference in the method of using the two systems 20and 120 is that, with the system 120, the connection of the crosssupport line 126 to the truck 132 allows the tension on the crosssupport line 126 to be adjusted as the line 126 moves between the nearand far end edges 142 and 144.

[0064] III. Third Embodiment

[0065] Depicted in FIG. 5 is an exemplary transportation system 220containing components and implementing methods that, in varyingcombinations and sub-combinations, may be constructed in accordancewith, and embody, the principles of a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0066] Like the systems 20 described above, the exemplary transportationsystem 220 comprises a near support line 222, a far support line 224, across support line 226, a near block 228, a far block 230, and a trolley232. The system 220 further comprises a transfer track 236 that, as willbe discussed in detail below, allows the trolley 232 to move between thecross support line 226 and the near support line 222.

[0067] The exemplary transportation system 120 allows removal of rawtimber from an exemplary area 238 to be logged.

[0068] Like the logging area 36 described above, the logging area 238 isdefined by near and far side edges 240 and 242 and near and far endedges 244 and 246.

[0069] Unlike the logging area 36, a road does not extend along theentire near opposing edge 240 between the near and far end edges 244 and246. Instead, the logging area 236 is accessed by a road 248 thatextends only through a corner portion 250 of the logging area 238 wherethe near side edge 240 and near end edge 244 meet. Again, the road 248may be a river, railroad, air strip or the like. The road 248 at thecorner 250 may also represent a helicopter landing pad at which rawtimber may be stored for removal by helicopter. The combination of thesystem 220 and helicopter removal may be more cost effective thanremoval by helicopter alone.

[0070] As with the system 20 described above, the near and far supportlines 222 and 224 are supported along the near and far opposing edges240 and 242, and the near and far blocks 228 and 230 are supported bythe near and far support lines 222 and 224, respectively. The crosssupport line 226 is rigidly connected at a far end 252 to the far block230. Further, the blocks 228 and 230 of the system 220 move relative tothe near and far support lines 222 and 224 along the near and far sideedges 240 and 242 of the logging area 238.

[0071] The trolley 232 is suspended from the cross support line 226 andmoves between the near and far side edges 240 and 242 of the loggingarea 238.

[0072] The transfer track 236 is a rigid metal member or assembly thatengages the cross support line 226 and the near support line 222 suchthat the trolley 232 can move between these lines 226 and 222. Thedetails of the transfer track 236 are determined by the manner in whichthe trolley 232 engages the support lines 222 and 226. An exemplarytrolley and exemplary transfer track designed therefor will be describedin detail below. The present invention as claimed in its broadest formis not, however, intended to be limited to the type of trolley andtransfer track described herein.

[0073] Using the system 220, raw timber is removed from the exemplarylogging area 238 in the same basic manner as discussed above withreference to the system 20 described above. Multiple swaths are servicedby the cross support line 226 to allow access to the entire area 238 tobe logged.

[0074] The primary difference in the method of using the system 220 asopposed to that of the system 20 described above is that, with thesystem 220, the transfer track 236 allows the trolley 232 to move alongthe near support line 222 as well as between the near and far supportlines 222 and 224 on the cross support line 226. This allows the trolley232 (as shown by reference character 232 a) to move to the corner 250 ofthe logging area 238 where the road 248 is located even if the crosssupport line 226 is adjacent to the far end edge 246 of the logging area238. The logging area 238 may thus be defined at a location where only avery small portion of the area 238 is accessible by road, river,railroad, or the like.

[0075] IV. Fourth Embodiment

[0076] Depicted in FIG. 6 is an exemplary transportation system 320containing components and implementing methods that, in varyingcombinations and sub-combinations, may be constructed in accordancewith, and embody, the principles of a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0077] Like the system 120 described above, the exemplary transportationsystem 320 comprises a near support line 322, a far support line 324, across support line 326, a near block 328, a far block 330, and a trolley332. Like the system 120, the system 320 further comprises a truck 334.Like the system 220 of the third embodiment, the system 320 alsocomprises a transfer track 336 that allows the trolley 332 to movebetween the cross support line 326 and the near support line 322.

[0078] The exemplary transportation system 320 allows removal of rawtimber from an exemplary area 338 to be logged.

[0079] The logging area 238 is defined by near and far side edges 340and 342 and near and far end edges 344 and 346. The logging area 336 isaccessed by a road 348 that extends only through a corner 350 of thelogging area 338 where the near side 340 and near end edge 344 meet.Again, the road 348 may be a river, railroad, air strip or the like ormay also represent a helicopter landing pad at which raw timber may bestored for removal by helicopter.

[0080] As with the systems 20,120, and 220 described above, the near andfar support lines 322 and 324 are supported along the near and faropposing edges 340 and 342, and the near and far blocks 328 and 330 aresupported by the near and far support lines 322 and 324, respectively.The cross support line 326 is rigidly connected at a far end 352 to thefar block 330. The near block 328 is, like the near block 128 of thesystem 120, a double block. The cross support line 326 thus also passesthrough the near block 328, and a near end 354 of the cross support line326 is connected to the truck 332. The near block 328 thus supports anintermediate portion 356 of the cross support line 326 that is spacedbetween the far and near ends 352 and 354 thereof.

[0081] As with the system 20 and 120 described above, the blocks 328 and330 of the system 320 move relative to the near and far support lines322 and 324 along the near and far side edges 340 and 342 of the loggingarea 338. And like the system 120, the cross support line 326 and nearblock 328 move relative to each other such that the truck 334 can pullon the near end 354 of the cross support line 326 to adjust the tensionthereon. The ability to adjust the tension of the cross support line 326allows the near and far support lines 322 and 324 to be at an angle toeach other.

[0082] The trolley 332 is suspended from the cross support line 326 andmoves between the near and far side edges 340 and 342 of the loggingarea 338.

[0083] The transfer track 336 is, like the member 236 described above, arigid metal member or assembly that engages the cross support line 326and the near support line 322 such that the trolley 332 can move betweenthese lines 326 and 322. The details of the transfer track 236 aredetermined by the manner in which the trolley 232 engages the supportlines 222 and 226. An exemplary trolley and exemplary transfer trackdesigned therefor will be described in detail below. The presentinvention as claimed in its broadest form is not, however, intended tobe limited to the type of trolley and transfer track described herein.

[0084] Using the system 320, raw timber is removed from the exemplarylogging area 338 in the same basic manner as discussed above withreference to the system 120 described above. Multiple swaths areserviced by the cross support line 326, which is moved between thelogging area end edges 344 and 346 to allow access to the entire area338 to be logged.

[0085] The transfer track 336 allows the trolley 332 to move along thenear support line 322 as well as between the near and far support lines322 and 324 on the cross support line 326. This allows the trolley 332(as shown by reference character 332 a) to move to the corner 350 of thelogging area 338 where the road 348 is located when the cross supportline 326 is adjacent to the far end edge 346 of the logging area 338.The logging area 338 may thus be defined at a location where only a verysmall portion of the area 338 is accessible by road, river, railroad, orthe like.

[0086] V. The Exemplary Transfer Track

[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, depicted at 420 therein is anexemplary transfer track 420 that may be used as the transfer tracks 236and 336 schematically depicted above.

[0088] The transfer track 420 is a generally arcuate member comprising achannel plate 422 and inner and outer flanges 424 and 426. The channelplate 422 and flanges 424 and 426 define upper and lower trolleychannels 428 (FIG. 9) and 429 (FIG. 7). And as shown in FIG. 7, firstand second support line channels 430 and 432 are formed in the channelplate 422 within the lower trolley channel 429. FIGS. 7 and 8 show thatfirst and second notches or openings as indicated by referencecharacters 434 and 436 are formed in the outer flange 424 in alignmentwith the line channels 430 and 432, respectively.

[0089]FIG. 9 depicts the transfer track 420 being used as the transfertrack 236 of the system 220. The transfer track 420 can clearly be usedas the transfer track 336 of the system 320, but only the use of thetrack 420 with the system 220 will be described herein in the interestsof brevity.

[0090] The near support line 222 is received by the first line channel430 and extends through the first opening 434 in the outer flange 424.The cross support line 226 is received by the second line channel 432and extends through the second opening 436 in the flange 424.

[0091] The angle at which the near and cross support lines 222 and 226extend relative to each other thus defines the angle at which the linechannels 430 and 432 extend relative to each other. Desirably, the anglebetween the support lines 222 and 226 will be as close as possible toninety degrees. In practice, this angle will likely vary several degreesfrom the desired ninety degrees. The angle between the channels 430 and432 will thus be a right angle, but the channels 430 and 432 may beoversized, tapered, and or lined with resilient material so that thetransfer track 420 will tolerate variations in the angle between thesupport lines 222 and 226.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 9, the transfer track 420 thus comprises anarcuate portion 438 and first and second straight portions 440 and 442.The arcuate portion 438 turns the trolley channel 428 through an angleof ninety degrees, while the straight portions 440 and 442 extend ashort distance along the support lines 222 and 226, respectively. Thesupport lines 222 and 226 thus support the transfer track 420 at thejuncture between these lines 222 and 226.

[0093] VI. The Exemplary Trolley Assembly

[0094] Referring now to FIG. 10, depicted therein is a trolley assembly520 that may be used as any of the trolleys 32, 132, 232, or 332 of thesystems 20, 120, 220, and 320 described above. Other trolley assembliesmay be used, but the trolley assembly 520 is particularly suited for usewith the support lines and transfer tracks described above.

[0095] The trolley assembly 520 comprises a main structural beam 522, agenerator assembly 524, a hoist assembly 526, and a drive assembly 528.The main structural beam 522 is simply a rigid member such as a tube orI-beam capable of supporting the loads that will be described below.

[0096] The generator assembly 524 comprises a generator enclosure 530containing a gas-fired electrical generator. A suitable electricalgenerator is a 6 Hp Honda generator with AC motor control. Such agenerator is rated to generate 4500 Watts of power. The generatorenclosure 530 is rigidly connected to the beam 522 at first and secondconnecting locations 532 and 534.

[0097] The hoist assembly 526 comprises an electric hoist 536 from whichis suspended a hoist cable 538 and a control cable 540. The hoistassembly 526 is conventional in that the operator can raise and lower ahook 542 attached to the hoist cable 538 using a control station 544connected to the control cable 540. The electric hoist 536 contains anelectric motor that is operatively connected to the generator of thegenerator assembly 524. The hoist assembly 526 is rigidly connected tothe beam 522 at a third connecting location 546.

[0098] The drive assembly 528 comprises a drive structural member 550, adrive motor 552, and upper and lower drive wheels 554 and 556. The drivestructural member 550 is a rigid member that is generally in the shapeof an inverted U. The drive structural member 550 is rigidly connectedat fourth and fifth connecting locations 558 and 560 to the beam 522.

[0099] The drive motor 552 is mounted on the drive structural member 550and is operatively connected to rotate the upper drive wheel 554. Thedrive motor 552 is an electrically powered motor that is operativelyconnected to the generator of the generator assembly 524.

[0100] A cable 562 extends between the drive structural member 550 abovethe fourth connecting point 558 and the main beam 522 at the thirdconnecting point 546.

[0101] The first and second drive wheels 554 and 556 are rotatablyconnected to the drive structural member 550 such that a bottom of thefirst drive wheel 554 is at about the same level as the top of thesecond drive wheel 556 when the beam 522 is substantially horizontal.Further, the wheels 554 and 556 are aligned with each other such thatthey rotate in substantially the same plane. Thus, as shown in FIG. 10,in use a support line 564 passes under the first drive wheel 554 andover the second drive wheel 556 such that the beam 522 will be slightlynose down when supported by the support line 564 and substantiallyparallel when supported on the transfer track.

[0102] The first through fifth connecting points are arranged such thata downward force is always applied to the first drive wheel 554 and anupward force is always applied to the second drive wheel 556. Thus,under normal conditions, the loads carried by the beam 522 will ensurethat the drive wheels 554 and 556 are always held in contact with thesupport line 564.

[0103] To remove the trolley assembly 520 from the support line 564, thebeam 522 is raised near the third connecting point, which allows thesecond wheel 556 to disengage from the support line 564, at which pointthe trolley assembly may be lifted from the support line 564.

[0104]FIG. 11 depicts the transfer track 420 supporting the trolleyassembly 520. The upper drive wheel 554 travels along the upper trolleychannel 428 and the lower drive wheel 556 travels along the lowertrolley channel 429.

[0105]FIG. 11 also shows that the drive wheels define annular inwardlycurved bearing surfaces 566 and 568 that prevent the wheels from movingsideways relative to the support line when supported thereby.

[0106] The drive wheels 554 and 556 each define a pair of annularcylindrical bearing surfaces 570,572 and 574,576 that engage upper andlower surfaces 422 a and 422 b of the channel plate 422 when the trolleyassembly 520 is carried by the transfer track 420. In this case, sides578,580 and 582,584 of the drive wheels 554 and 556 engage the trackmember flanges 424 and 426 to prevent to prevent sideways movement ofthe drive wheels relative to the transfer track 420.

[0107] The drive wheels 554 and 556 thus engage, are supported by, andtravel along the support line when the trolley assembly 520 is spacedfrom the transfer track 420. As the trolley assembly 520 approaches thetransfer track 420, the leading one of the upper and lower drive wheels554 and 556 will engage the transfer track 420 and enter itscorresponding upper or lower trolley channels 428, 429. Continuedmovement of the trolley assembly 520 will cause the trailing one of theupper and lower drive wheels 554 and 556 will engage the transfer track420 and enter its corresponding upper or lower trolley channels 428,429.

[0108] The straight portions 440 and 442 of the transfer track 420should be long enough for both of the drive wheels 554 and 556 to entertheir corresponding trolley channels 428 and 429 before the transfertrack 420 beings to turn the trolley assembly 520. After both drivewheels 554 and 556 engage the transfer track 420, the trolley assembly520 will then turn through the ninety degree angle defined by the curvedportion 438 of the transfer track. The second of the straight portions440 and 442 encountered will then align the trolley assembly 520 withthe support line to which the trolley assembly 520 is being transferred.

[0109] As the trolley assembly 520 leaves the transfer track 420, theleading one of the upper and lower drive wheels 554 and 556 will leaveits corresponding upper or lower trolley channels 428, 429 and engageand be supported by the new support line. Continued movement of thetrolley assembly 520 will cause the trailing one of the upper and lowerdrive wheels 554 and 556 to leave its corresponding upper or lowertrolley channel 428, 429 and engage the new support line.

[0110] VII. Fifth Embodiment

[0111] Referring now to FIG. 12, depicted at 620 therein is yet anothertransportation system constructed in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention. The system 620 is constructed and operates in amanner that, in many respects, is similar to that of the transportationsystems described above. The system 620 thus will be discussed belowonly to the extent necessary for a complete understanding of the presentinvention.

[0112] The transportation system 620 comprises a main line 622 and aplurality of cross lines 624. The main line 622 comprises a pair ofcables 626, while the cross lines each comprise a single cable 626.Suspended from the cables 626 are one or more trolley assemblies 628.The trolley assemblies 628 traverse the cables 626 to allow loads to betransported through the area 630 serviced by the system 620.

[0113] The main line 622 comprises a plurality of juncture posts 632located at the junctures between the main line 622 and the cross lines624. Spar trees 634 are located at each end, and may be spaced atintervals as necessary along, of the cross lines 624. Associated witheach of the juncture posts 632 are one or more transfer tracks 636.

[0114] Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, the juncture posts 632 will now bediscussed in further detail. The juncture posts 632 comprise a postmember 640, an cross support assembly 642, and a main support assembly644. The cross support assembly 642 supports the cable 626 that formsthe cross line 624 and is fixed at a predetermined location on the postmember 640. The main support assembly 644 supports the cables 626 thatform the main line 622 and moves between a lower position (FIG. 13) andan upper position (FIG. 14).

[0115] First and second transfer tracks 636 a and 636 b are suspendedfrom the cross line 624. When the main support assembly 644 is in thelower position, the transfer tracks 636 are suspended above the cables628 forming the main line 622; the cross line 624 and transfer tracks636 a and 636 b thus do not interfere with movement of the trolleyassemblies 628 along the main line 622 with the main support assembly644 in its lower position. When the main support assembly 644 is in theupper position, the transfer tracks 636 engage the cables 628 formingthe main line 622. When the transfer tracks 636 engage the main line622, the trolley assemblies 628 can transfer between the main line 622and the cross line 624.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 15, the exemplary main support assembly 644comprises a pin 646 that extends through slots 648 in the post member640. As depicted in FIG. 15, a lifting force is applied to the pin 646to cause the main support assembly 644 to move from the lower positionto the upper position. This lifting force may be applied by a motorconnected to a pulley assembly schematically indicated by a pulley 650,but other lifting means such as a screw jack, hydraulic actuator, or thelike may be used depending upon the circumstances. The lifting force mayalso be assisted by a biasing means such as a counterweight assembly652, but other biasing means such as torsion spring or the like may beused. In addition, a locking means may be used to lock the main supportassembly 644 to the post member 640 in the upper position.

[0117] The design and control of an appropriate lifting means, biasingmeans, and locking means would be routine to one of ordinary skill inthe art given the particular circumstances in which the transportationsystem 620 is to be used. The lifting means, biasing means, and lockingmeans thus may be implemented using any structure appropriate for theparticular circumstances.

[0118] Referring now to FIGS. 16-18 and 20, depicted therein is atrolley assembly 628 that may be used in the exemplary transportationsystem 620 or any of the other transportation systems disclosed herein.The trolley system 628 comprises a pair of wheel assemblies 660 eachcomprising a pair of main wheels 662 mounted on a wheel bar 664.Suspended from the wheel assemblies 660 is a carriage assembly 666adapted to support the load to be transported by the system 620. Thewheel assemblies 660 pivot about a horizontal axis A (FIGS. 16 and 17)and a vertical axis B (FIG. 18) relative to the carriage assembly 666.The wheel bar defines what will be referred to as the closed side 668 ofthe carriage assembly 666; the relevance of the closed side 668 willbecome apparent from the following discussion.

[0119] An actuator (not shown) forces the wheel assemblies 660 to pivotabout the horizontal axis A between a traction position (FIG. 16) inwhich both main wheels 662 engage the cable 626 and a bypass position(FIG. 17) in which only the uppermost of the main wheels 662 engages thecable 626. The traction position places a reverse bend in the cable 626that enhances the ability of the wheel assemblies 660 to move thetrolley assembly 628 along the cable 626. The traction position helpsavoid slippage between the powered main wheels 662 and the cable 626when the trolley assembly 628 is going up or down hill. The bypassposition allows the trolley assembly 628 to traverse the cables 626where they are supported by the support assemblies 642 and 644.

[0120] Comparing FIGS. 18 and 20 illustrates that the wheel assemblies660 freely rotate about the vertical axes B between a cable position(FIG. 18) in which the trolley assembly 628 traverses one of the cables626 and a turning position (FIG. 20) in which the trolley assembly 628transfers from one cable 626 to another across one of the transfertracks 636.

[0121] Referring for a moment to FIG. 19, it can be seen that bracingcables 670 extend between the transfer tracks 636 and the cross supportassembly 642. The bracing cables 670 maintain the transfer tracks 636 ina generally horizontal configuration, especially when the main supportassembly 644 is in its lower position.

[0122] Referring now back to FIG. 20-23, the wheel assemblies 660 andtransfer track 636 will now be described in further detail.

[0123] The wheel assemblies 660 each comprise, in addition to the mainwheels 662 described above, a transfer wheel 672. The diameter of theexemplary transfer wheels 672 is smaller than that of the main wheels662, and the transfer wheels 672 are coaxially mounted adjacent to themain wheels 662.

[0124] The exemplary transfer track 636 comprises end segments 674 and acenter segment 676. The end segments 674 are similar but are mirrorimages of each other. Each comprises a substantially straight cableportion 674 a and a transfer portion 674 b that extends along an arcspanning approximately thirty degrees. The center segment 676 alsoextends along an arc of approximately thirty degrees. The end segments674 are connected by hinges 678 a and 678 b to the center segment 676 tothe allow slight movement of these segments 674 and 676 relative to eachother.

[0125] As discussed above, the transfer track 636 is configured to allowthe trolley assembly 628 to transfer between first and second cables 626a and 626 b arranged at substantially a right angle to each other. Themovement between the track segments 674 and 676 allows the transfertrack 636 to accommodate cables that cross at angles slightly greater orless than ninety degrees, which may be common in practice.

[0126] The end track segments 674 comprise a rail 680 and a cable plate682. The cable plate 682 defines a cable groove 684 that receives thecable 626. The cable groove 684 aligns the cable 626 with the straightcable portion 674 a.

[0127] The rail 680 extends up from the cable plate 682 on what will bereferred to herein as the inside 688 of the transfer track 636. Therelationship of the inside 688 of the transfer track 636 to the closedside 668 of the trolley assembly 628 is important to understanding theoperation of the transportation system 620. As will be described infurther detail below, the closed side 668 of the trolley assembly 628must be on the inside of the transfer track 636; otherwise, the cables626 will interfere with wheel bar 664 and prevent movement of thetrolley assembly 628.

[0128] The arrangement of the rail 680 relative to the cable groove 684aligns the transfer wheels 672 with the rail 680 as the lead wheelassembly 660 moves along the cable portion 674 a of the end segments674. The height of the rail 680 relative to the cable plate 682increases towards the transfer portion 674 b of the end segments 674.Accordingly, the transfer wheels 672 engage the rail 680 such that theload carried by the trolley assembly 628 is gradually transferred fromthe cable wheels 662 to the transfer wheels 672 as the lead wheelassembly 660 moves along the cable portion 674 a. The cable wheels 662are thus suspended as the wheel assemblies 660 traverse the centersegment 676 and the transfer portions 674 b of the end segments 674. Thelower transfer wheels 672 engage the underside of the rail 680 to obtainadditional purchase when necessary.

[0129] Referring now to FIG. 23, depicted at 690 therein is a blockassembly that may be used by the transportation system 620 or any of theother transportation systems described herein. The block assembly 690 isadapted to traverse one cable 626 c and support the end of another cable626 d. A snubber cable 626 e is attached to the block assembly 620 toapply a counterforce to the cable 626 d. The block assembly 690 thuscounterbalances the load applied to the cable 626 c by the cable 626 dand ensures that these cables 626 c and 626 d extend from each other atclose enough to a right angle for proper functioning of the transfertrack 636.

[0130] The exemplary block assembly 690 comprises a housing 692 on whichis mounted a main bearing wheel 694, a pair of lateral bearing wheels696, and a pair of guide wheels 698. The cables 626 d and 626 e areattached to the housing 692. The main bearing wheel 694 transfershorizontal loads from the cable 626 d to the cable 626 c. The lateralbearing wheels 696 transfer vertical loads from the cables 626 d and 626e to the cable 626 c. The guide wheels 698 transfer horizontal loadsfrom the cable 626 e to the cable 626 c and ensure that the blockassembly 690 is connected to the cable 626 c under slack conditions.

[0131] In use, the block assemblies 690 are used to connect a feedercable 626 between two cross lines 624 to enhance coverage of the area630 serviced by the system 620.

[0132] VIII. Sixth Embodiment

[0133] Referring now to FIG. 24, depicted at 720 therein is yet anothertransportation system constructed in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention. The system 720 is constructed and operates in amanner that, in many respects, is similar to that of the transportationsystems described above, and in particular the system 620. The system720 thus will be discussed below only to the extent necessary for acomplete understanding of the present invention.

[0134] The transportation system 720 comprises a main line 722 and aplurality of cross lines 724. The main line 722 comprises a pair ofcables 726, while the cross lines each comprise a single cable 726.Suspended from the cables 726 are one or more trolley assemblies 728.The trolley assemblies 728 traverse the cables 726 to allow loads to betransported through the area 730 serviced by the system 720.

[0135] The main line 722 comprises a plurality of juncture posts 732located at the junctures between the main line 722 and the cross lines724. Spar trees 734 are located at each end, and may be spaced atintervals as necessary along, of the cross lines 724. Associated witheach of the juncture posts 732 are one or more transfer tracks 736.

[0136] Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, the exemplary transfer track736 comprises end segments 774 and at least one center segment 776. Theend segments 774 are mirror images of each other and define a straightpath that is substantially aligned with the cable 726. The centersegments 776 extend along a portion of an arc such that the total arcspanned by the segments 776 equals approximately ninety degrees. The endsegments 774 are connected by hinges 778 a and 778 b to the centersegments 776 to the allow slight movement of these segments 774 and 776relative to each other. The center segments 776 are in turn connected toeach other by hinges 778 c that allow slight movement of these centersegments 776 relative to each other.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 25, it can be seen that the exemplary centersegments 776 have an I-beam configuration that strengthens the transfertrack 736. Openings 780 are formed between the segments 776 to allowbraces to be connected to the track 736 which extend back under thecables 726 to stabilize the transfer track 736.

[0138] As discussed above, the transfer track 736 is configured to allowthe trolley assembly 728 to transfer between first and second cables 726a and 726 b arranged at substantially a right angle to each other. Themovement between the track segments 774 and 776 allows the transfertrack 736 to accommodate cables that cross at angles slightly greater orless than ninety degrees, which may be common in practice.

[0139] The inside of the transfer track 736 is identified by referencecharacter 782 in FIG. 26. The relationship of the inside 782 of thetransfer track 736 to the closed side 768 of the trolley assembly 728 isalso important in the context of the transportation system 720.

[0140] In particular, the trolley assembly 728 can traverse the transfertrack 736 only when the closed side thereof is on the inside 782 of thetransfer track 736. Accordingly, if a trolley assembly 728 is on therightmost cable 726 a and must be turned right onto one of the crosslines 724 and then right again onto a harvest line 784, this can beaccomplished easily.

[0141] If, however, a trolley assembly 728 is on the rightmost cable 726a and must be turned right onto one of the cross lines 724 and then leftonto the harvest line 784, the trolley assembly 728 must move past theappropriate cross line 724 and the transfer track 736 rearranged to beon the same side of the cross line 724 as the trolley assembly 728. Thetrolley assembly 728 then moves onto the cross line 724 and is on theinside of the transfer track 736 arranged to allow the trolley assembly728 to turn left onto the harvest line 784 a.

[0142] In this context, it may be practical to employ a bidirectionaltransfer track assembly having two transfer tracks. Such abi-directional transfer track assembly would not need to be rearrangedfrom one side to the other of the cross line 724 as would be the casewith a single transfer track.

[0143] Referring for a moment back to FIG. 24, it can be seen that crosslines 724 a and 724 e support the ends of the harvesting lines 784 a and784 b. Arranged at each end of the harvesting lines 784 a and 784 b areblock assemblies such as the block assembly 690 described above. In theexemplary system 720, no snubber lines are connected to the ends of theharvesting lines 784 a and 784 b, so the cross lines 724 a and 724 edeflect as illustrated.

[0144] At the junctures of the harvesting lines 784 a and 784 b andcross lines 724 b and 724 d are double block assemblies 790. As shown infurther detail in FIG. 27, the double block assemblies 790 comprisefirst and second powered blocks 792 and 794 that allow the operator toadjust the tension on both sides of the cross lines 724 b and 724 d toensure that the harvesting lines 784 a and 784 b are substantiallyperpendicular to the cross lines 784 a and 784 b.

[0145] From the foregoing, it should be clear that the present inventionmay be embodied in forms other than those described above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A transportation system for transporting loads toand from a served area, the system comprising: a first support linesuspended above the ground along a first portion of the served area; asecond support line suspended above the ground along a second portion ofthe served area; a cross support line having first and second ends,where a first portion of the cross support line is suspended above theground from the first support line and at the second end from the secondsupport line; and a trolley assembly suspended from the cross supportline, the trolley assembly comprising a first wheel that engages thecross support line such that rotation of the first wheel causes thetrolley assembly to move between the first portion of the cross supportline and the second end of the cross support line, and a load bearingassembly for engaging the load so that the load can be transported alongthe cross support line.
 2. A transportation system as recited in claim 1, in which the first portion of the cross support line is the first endof the cross support line.
 3. A transportation system as recited inclaim 1 , further comprising a block assembly for supporting the crosssupport line from the first support line.
 4. A transportation system asrecited in claim 3 , further comprising means for adjusting the tensionon the cross support line by displacing the cross support line at thefirst block assembly in a direction away from the first block assembly.5. A transportation system as recited in claim 1 , further comprising atransfer assembly adapted to engage the cross support line and the firstsupport line to allow the trolley assembly to move between the crosssupport line and the first support line and along the first supportline.
 6. A transportation system as recited in claim 1 , in which thetransfer assembly comprises a transfer track member having a first lowerchannel through which the first support line extends, a cross lowerchannel through which the cross support line extends, and an uppertransfer groove that engages the first wheel to guide the trolleyassembly as the trolley assembly moves between the cross support lineand the first support line.
 7. A transportation system as recited inclaim 1 , in which the trolley assembly further comprises a secondwheel, where the first wheel engages one of the top and the bottom ofthe support line from which the trolley assembly is suspended and thesecond wheel engages the other of the top and bottom of the support linefrom which the trolley is suspended.
 8. A transportation system asrecited in claim 5 , in which: the trolley assembly further comprises asecond wheel, where the first wheel engages one of the top and thebottom of the support line from which the trolley assembly is suspendedand the second wheel engages the other of the top and bottom of thesupport line from which the trolley is suspended; and the transferassembly comprises a transfer track member having a first lower channelthrough which the first support line extends, a cross lower channelthrough which the cross support line extends, and upper and lowertransfer grooves that engage the first and second wheels to guide thetrolley assembly as the trolley assembly moves between the cross supportline and the first support line.
 9. A transportation system as recitedin claim 1 , in which the trolley assembly further comprises: a secondwheel; and a structural member from which the load bearing assembly issuspended and to which the first and second wheels are rotatablyattached.
 10. A transportation system as recited in claim 9 , in whichthe support line from which the trolley assembly is suspended extendsunder the first wheel and over the second wheel and the first wheel isattached to the structural member between the first wheel and the loadbearing assembly.
 11. A transportation system as recited in claim 10 ,in which the trolley assembly further comprises a motor operativelyconnected to the first wheel such that operation of the motor causesrotation of the first wheel and rotation of the first wheel causes thetrolley assembly to move along the support line from which the trolleyassembly is suspended.
 12. A transportation system as recited in claim11 , in which the trolley assembly further comprises an equipmentplatform mounted to the structural member, where the equipment platformsupports a generator for providing energy to the motor.
 13. Atransportation system as recited in claim 1 , in which the load bearingassembly is a hoist assembly for raising and lowering the raw timber.14. A transportation method for transporting a load to and from anserved area, the method comprising the steps of: providing first andsecond support lines; suspending the first support line above the groundalong a first portion of the served area; suspending the second supportline above the ground along a second portion of the served area;providing a cross support line having first and second ends; providingfirst and second block assemblies; suspending a first portion of thecross support line above the ground from the first support line usingthe first block assembly; suspending the second end of the cross supportline from the second support line using the second block assembly; andproviding a trolley assembly comprising a first wheel and a load bearingassembly; suspending the trolley assembly from the cross support linesuch that rotation of the first wheel causes the trolley assembly tomove along the cross support line; and transporting the raw timber alongthe cross support line using the load bearing assembly.
 15. Atransportation method as recited in claim 14 , in which the first blockassembly is a double block assembly, the method further comprising thesteps of: passing the cross support line through the first blockassembly; and displacing the first end of the cross support linerelative to the first portion of the cross support line to alter tensionon the cross support line.
 16. A transportation method as recited inclaim 14 , further comprising the steps of: providing a transfer trackmember that extends through approximately a ninety degree arc; attachingthe transfer track member to the cross support line and the firstsupport line to allow the trolley assembly to move between the crosssupport line and the first support line and along the first supportline.
 17. Atransportation method as recited in claim 16 , furthercomprising the steps of: providing a second wheel on the trolleyassembly; rotatably attaching the first and second wheels to astructural member; suspending the load bearing assembly from thestructural member; and arranging the first and second wheels and theload bearing assembly along the structural member such that the supportline from which the trolley assembly is suspended extends under thefirst wheel and over the second wheel and the first wheel is attached tothe structural member between the first wheel and the load bearingassembly.
 18. A trolley assembly to be suspended from a suspendedsupport line of a transportation system for transporting a load, thetrolley assembly comprising a structural member; a load bearing assemblyrigidly connected to the structural member for supporting the load belowthe structural member; a first wheel rotatably attached to thestructural member such that the first wheel is spaced above the supportline; a second wheel rotatably attached to the structural member suchthat the first wheel is arranged along the structural member between thesecond wheel and the load bearing assembly, and the second wheel isarranged below the support line; wherein at least one of the first andsecond wheels engages the cross support line such that rotation of atleast one of the wheels causes the trolley assembly to move along thecross support line.
 19. A trolley assembly as recited in claim 18 ,further comprising a motor operatively connected to the first wheel suchthat operation of the motor causes rotation of the first wheel androtation of the first wheel causes the trolley assembly to move alongthe support line.
 20. A trolley as recited in claim 19 , furthercomprising an equipment platform mounted to the structural member, wherethe equipment platform supports a generator for providing energy to themotor.
 21. A trolley as recited in claim 18 , in which the load bearingassembly is a hoist assembly for raising and lowering the load.
 22. Atransportation system as recited in claim 5 , in which the transferassembly comprises a plurality of segments pivotably joined togethersuch that the transfer assembly accommodates a range of angles betweenthe cross support line and the first support line.
 23. A transportationsystem as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a post assemblycomprising a fixed support member configured to support at least aportion of the first support line.
 24. A transportation system asrecited in claim 23 , in which the post assembly further comprises amovable support member configured to support at least a portion of amain support line, where the movable support member is movable to raiseand lower the main support line at the post assembly.
 25. Atransportation system as recited in claim 1 , further comprising atleast one powered double block assembly for supporting one end of thecross support line from the first support line, where the powered blockassembly allows an effective length of the cross support line to belengthened and shortened to adjust a location of the first support linerelative to the second support line.